Scaffolding accessory

ABSTRACT

A scaffolding accessory for a scaffolding frame with a scaffolding frame opening comprising an accessory frame, a first pair of first legs, and a second pair of second legs. The accessory frame has a rectangular shape and dimensioned to be releasably secured inside the scaffolding frame opening. Each of the first pair of first legs is connected to the accessory frame, each first leg comprising a first U-shaped member dimensioned to receive the first scaffolding rod. The first U-shaped member defines bores dimensioned to receive a leg fastener to releasably secure the accessory frame to the first scaffolding rod. Each of the second pair of second legs is connected to the accessory frame, each second leg comprises a second U-shaped member dimensioned to abut an inside portion of the second scaffolding rod and to releasably secure the accessory frame to the second scaffolding rod.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to Canadian Patent Application No. 2,924,610 filed on Mar. 21, 2016, that is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to scaffolding systems, and more particularly to scaffolding accessories.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Scaffolding systems are generally composed of scaffolding frames that are assembled to provide support for scaffolding boards. Workers can walk on the boards or use them for temporary storage of equipment or supplies, for example.

There is always a need for additional safety features in the scaffolding systems, as well as additional storage space.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In a first aspect, there is a scaffolding accessory for a scaffolding frame with a scaffolding frame opening formed by a first and a second scaffolding rods, the second scaffolding rod being opposite to the first scaffolding rod. In at least one embodiment, the scaffolding accessory may include an accessory frame that may be of rectangular shape and may be dimensioned to be releasably secured inside the scaffolding frame opening.

The scaffolding accessory may also include first pair of first legs connected to the accessory frame, each first leg comprising a first U-shaped member dimensioned to receive the first scaffolding rod. Said first U-shaped member may define bores dimensioned to receive a leg fastener to releasably secure the accessory frame to the first scaffolding rod.

The scaffolding accessory may also include a second pair of second legs, connected to the accessory frame, each second leg comprising a second U-shaped member dimensioned to abut an inside portion of the second scaffolding rod and to releasably secure the accessory frame to the second scaffolding rod.

The scaffolding accessory may also include a second pair of second legs, connected to the accessory frame, each second leg comprising a second U-shaped member dimensioned to abut an inside portion of the second scaffolding rod and to releasably secure the accessory frame to the second scaffolding rod, the first U-shaped member being longer than the second U-shaped member. The second scaffolding rod may be lower than the first scaffolding rod. To releasably secure the accessory frame to the second scaffolding rod, the first U-shaped member may be longer than the second U-shaped member.

The first U-shaped member may be made of a bended plate. The second U-shaped member may be made of a bended plate.

The first U-shaped member may include at least two bores for receiving at least one leg fastener to secure the first U-shaped member to the first scaffolding rod. Each of the second U-shaped members may abut the inside portion of the second scaffolding rod by a curved portion of the second U-shaped member.

The length of side portions of at least one of the first U-shaped member may be at least two times greater than a diameter of the second scaffolding rod.

The length of side portions of at least one of the first U-shaped member may be at least two times greater than a diameter of the first scaffolding rod. The length of side portions of at least one of the first U-shaped member may be at least three times greater than the diameter of the second scaffolding rod. The length of side portions of at least one of the first U-shaped member may be at least three times greater than diameter of the first scaffolding rod. Each of the pair of the second legs may be secured to said first scaffolding rod by sitting on said second scaffolding rod.

When the accessory frame is installed in the scaffolding frame opening, the curved portions of the second U-shaped members may sit on the second scaffolding rod and side portions of the first U-shaped members may be secured to the first scaffolding rod.

Each of the first U-shaped members may be connected to the accessory frame via a first pillar member. Each of the first legs and the second legs may be connected to the accessory frame via a pillar member. Each of the second U-shaped members may be connected to the accessory frame via a second pillar member.

At least one frame bar of the accessory frame, one first pillar member and one second pillar member may be formed from one piece of material.

At least one first leg may be aligned with one second leg of the second pair of second legs.

At least one of the first and one of the second legs may be offset relative to a center axis of a frame bar.

One first leg of the first pair of legs may be aligned with one second leg of the second pair of second legs and one first leg of the first pair of legs may be offset with one second leg of the second pair of second legs.

The scaffolding accessory may further comprise at least one intermediate bar dimensioned to be releasably secured to the accessory frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the following drawings, which represent by way of example only, various embodiments of the disclosure:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a scaffolding accessory, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 2A shows a front view of the scaffolding accessory, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 2B shows a side view of the scaffolding accessory, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a scaffolding frame,

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the scaffolding frame with the scaffolding accessory, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of an intermediate bar, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 5B shows a front view of the intermediate bar, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 5C shows a side view of the intermediate bar, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Further features and advantages will become more readily apparent from the following description of various embodiments as illustrated by way of examples only and in a non-limitative manner.

As used herein, the wording “and/or” is intended to represent an inclusive-or. That is, “X and/or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both, for example. As a further example, “X, Y, and/or Z” is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

It should be noted that the term “rectangular shape” means a shape of a rectangle defined as a quadrilateral with four right angles. The term “rectangular shape” also includes, but is not limited to, square shape. It should be understood that the four angles of the rectangle may each be smaller or larger than 90° by about 0 to about 15°.

The following examples are non-limitative.

Referring now to FIG. 3, shown therein is an example of a conventional scaffolding frame 300. For example, scaffolding frame 300 can be a Canadian standard scaffolding frame. The scaffolding frame 300 has a first and a second side posts 315 and 325, as well as a first scaffolding rod 310 and a second scaffolding rod 320. Such scaffolding frame 300 also has a third post 335 which connects the first scaffolding rod 310 with the second scaffolding rod 320. Inner rods 330 are typically coupled to the scaffolding frame 300 between one of the first and second side posts (315, 325) and the third side post 335, while the other portion of the scaffolding frame 300 has a scaffolding frame opening 305. The scaffolding frame opening 305 in FIG. 3 is defined by the first scaffolding rod 310, the second scaffolding rod 320, a first post 315, and the third post 335.

As shown at FIG. 3, the first scaffolding rod 310 may be positioned opposite the second scaffolding rod 320. For example, when used in the scaffolding system, the scaffolding frame 300 may be positioned so that the first scaffolding rod 310 may be positioned higher than the second scaffolding rod 320.

The inner rods 330 protect workers from falling (prevent falling of the workers from the scaffolding system). Additional scaffolding boards (not shown) can sit on the inner rods 330 of two scaffolding frames 300, thus providing additional storage for equipment or supplies. The inner rods 330 can also be used as a ladder.

Although workers can walk through the scaffolding frame opening 305, there may be a need to provide a barrier to protect workers from falling. It may be also necessary to have additional scaffolding boards sitting between two scaffolding frames 300. Such functionality may be needed on demand, while using standard scaffolding frames and the accessory may need to be easily removable.

It should be noted that other types of scaffolding frames can provide scaffolding frame openings, which may need to be filled, on demand, by an accessory that can protect the workers from falling from the scaffolding system or to provide support for additional scaffolding boards. For example, the scaffolding accessory as described herein can be used for this purpose.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, shown therein is a scaffolding accessory 100 in perspective view (FIG. 1), front view (FIG. 2A) and side view (FIG. 2B). The scaffolding accessory 100 comprises an accessory frame 120, a first pair 13 of first legs 130 a, 130 b, and a second pair 14 of second legs 140 a, 140 b.

In at least one embodiment, the accessory frame 120 has a rectangular shape. For example, the accessory frame 120 can have a square shape. The dimensions (height, width) and the ratio of height vs. width of the accessory frame 120 can vary depending on the dimensions of the scaffolding frame opening 305 so that the accessory frame 100 can be releasably secured inside the scaffolding frame opening 305.

For example, the accessory frame 120 can have four frame bars 121, 122, 123, 124. For example, the side frame bars 121 and 122 can be adjacent to posts 325, 335 that define the scaffolding opening 305 of the scaffolding frame 300. For example, the accessory frame 120 may be made by soldering together independent bars. For example, the frame bars (121, 122, 123, 124) may have rectangular or round cross-section.

Each first leg 130 a, 130 b is connected to the accessory frame 120 and has a first U-shaped member 134 a, 134 b. Each first leg 130 a, 130 b may also have a first pillar member 136 a, 136 b. For example, each U-shaped member 134 a, 134 b may be connected to the accessory frame 120 via a first pillar member 136 a, 136 b. In at least one embodiment, the first U-shaped members 134 a, 134 b are dimensioned to receive the first scaffolding rod 310, when the scaffolding accessory 100 is being secured to the scaffolding frame 300.

Each second leg 140 a, 140 b is connected to the accessory frame 120 and has a second U-shaped member 144 a, 144 b. Each second leg 140 a, 140 b may also have a second pillar member 146 a, 146 b. For example, each second U-shaped member 144 a, 144 b may be connected to the accessory frame 120 via a second pillar member 146 a, 146 b.

The second U-shaped members 144 a, 144 b are dimensioned to receive the second scaffolding rod 320, when the scaffolding accessory 100 is being removably secured to the scaffolding frame 300. Each second U-shaped member 144 a, 144 b, may be dimensioned to abut an inside portion 321 of the second scaffolding rod 320 of the scaffolding frame 300.

In at least one embodiment, the curved portions 148 of the second U-shaped members 144 a, 144 b can abut the inside portion 321 of the second scaffolding rod 320 of the scaffolding frame 300. The distance between two side portions 147, 149 and the form of the curved portion 148 can also be dimensioned to touch and/or abut an inside portion of the second scaffolding rod 320 of the scaffolding frame 300.

In at least one embodiment, at least one of the first U-shaped members 134 a, 134 b and the second U-shaped members 144 a, 144 b may be made of a bended plate. For example, the side portions 137, 139 may be parallel to each other. For example, the side portions 147, 149 may be parallel to each other.

Referring now to FIGS. 2B and 4, in at least one embodiment, two side portions 137, 139 and a curved portion 138 of each of the first U-shaped members 134 a, 134 b may be dimensioned to at least partially embrace and/or touch at least one portion of the first scaffolding rod 310 when the scaffolding accessory 100 is mounted (installed) and releasably secured to the scaffolding frame 300.

Shown at FIG. 2B are the length L₁ of the two side portions 137, 139 of the first U-shaped members 134 a, 134 b, the length L₂ of the second U-shaped members 134 a, 134 b. Shown therein is also the distance L between the curved portions 138 of the first U-shaped members 134 a, 134 b and the curved portions 148 of the second U-shaped members 144 a, 144 b.

The lengths of the two side portions 137, 139 of each of at least one of the second U-shaped members 134 a, 134 b may depend on the distance between the first scaffolding rod 310 and the second scaffolding rod 320, as well as on the lengths of the second U-shaped members 144 a, 144 b. The lengths of the two side portions 137, 139 of each of at least one of the second U-shaped members 134 a, 134 b may also depend on the distance L between the curved portions 138 of the first U-shaped members 134 a, 134 b and the curved portions 148 of the second U-shaped members 144 a, 144 b.

In at least one embodiment, the distance L between the curved portions 138 of the first U-shaped members 134 a, 134 b and the curved portions 148 of the second U-shaped members 144 a, 144 b may be chosen so that when the scaffolding is being installed on the scaffolding frame 300, the first U-shaped members 134 a, 134 b can receive the first scaffolding rod 310 so that the second U-shaped members 144 a, 144 b can be inserted and mounted on the second scaffolding rod 320. The lengths of the first U-shaped members 134 a, 134 b may be chosen so that when the scaffolding accessory 100 sits on the second scaffolding rod 320, at least some portions of the U-shaped members 134 a and 134 b can touch the first scaffolding rod 310, and the scaffolding accessory can be secured to the first scaffolding rod 310 by means of leg fasteners 185. The leg fasteners 185 may fasten the side portions 137, 139 of the first U-shaped members 134 a, 134 b through the leg bores 165 to secure the first legs 130 a, 130 b to the first scaffolding rod 310.

In at least one embodiment, the first U-shaped members 130 a, 130 b may be longer than the second U-shaped member 140 a, 140 b. For example, the length of the side portions 137, 139 may be at least two times greater than the diameter of the first scaffolding rod 310 or second scaffolding rod 320. For example, the length of side portions 137, 139 of at least one of the first U-shaped member 130 a, 130 b may be at least three times greater than the diameter of the first scaffolding rod 310 or the second scaffolding rod 320.

In at least one embodiment, two side portions 147 and 149 of each of the second U-shaped members 144 a and 144 b are dimensioned to at least partially embrace at least one portion of the second scaffolding rod 320 so that when installed, the scaffolding accessory 100 may be secured to the scaffolding frame 300 and cannot be shifted away from the second scaffolding rod 320.

For example, the curved portion 148 of the second U-shaped members 144 a and 144 b may be an arc with radius approximately equal to or larger than the radius of the second scaffolding rod 320. For example, the curved portion 138 of the first U-shaped members 134 a and 134 b may be an arc with radius approximately equal to or larger than the radius of the first scaffolding rod 320.

For example, referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, L₁ may be, for example, approximately 7 ¼ inches, L may be, for example, approximately 40 ⅜ inches, L₂ may be, for example, approximately 2 ⅛ inches. For example, the width W of the accessory frame 120 may be approximately 27 ¾ inches. For example, the distance D between the side portions 137, 139 (and 147, 149) of the U-shaped members 134 a, 134 b, 144 a, 144 b may be approximately 2 ⅛ inches.

Referring now to FIG. 4, shown therein is the scaffolding accessory 100 releasably secured in the scaffolding frame 300. When the scaffolding accessory 100 is installed (releasably secured), the second U-shaped members 144 a and 144 b abut an inside portion 321 of the second scaffolding rod 320. This permits the scaffolding accessory 100 to sit on the second scaffolding rod 320.

According to at least one embodiment, to mount the scaffolding accessory 100 on to the scaffolding frame 300, the first U-shaped members 130 a, 130 b of the scaffolding accessory 100 can receive the first scaffolding rod 310 so that that the second U-shaped members 140 a, 140 b can be arranged to sit on the second scaffolding rod 320 and abut it.

In at least one embodiment, the first U-shaped members 134 a, 134 b define bores 165 that are dimensioned to receive leg fasteners 185 to releasably secure the accessory frame 100 to the first scaffolding rod 300. For example, the bores 165 may be located on the side portions 137 of the first U-shaped members 134 a, 134 b. The first U-shaped members 130 a, 130 b can then be secured to the first scaffolding rod 310 with leg fasteners 185.

To releasably secure the scaffolding accessory 100 to the scaffolding frame 300, the leg fasteners 185 can be used. For example, the leg fasteners 185 may be hitch pins with R-clips (bridge pins), nuts and bolts etc. Other types of fasteners can also be used.

In at least one embodiment, the second legs 140 a, 140 b may also have additional fasteners to secure the scaffolding accessory 100 to the second scaffolding rod 320.

In the example embodiment, where the scaffolding frame 300 may be positioned in the scaffolding system so that the first scaffolding rod 310 may be positioned higher than the second scaffolding rod 320 (the second scaffolding rod 320 being positioned lower than the first scaffolding rod 310), the first pair 13 of first legs 130 a, 130 b may be releasably secured to the upper rod 310 of the scaffolding frame 300, and the second pair 14 of second legs 140 a, 140 b may be releasably secured to the lower rod 310 of the scaffolding frame 300.

In at least one embodiment, at least one of the first and one of the second legs (130 a, 140 a) may be coaxially aligned with a center axis of a side frame bar 121. In at least one embodiment, at least one of the first and of the second legs 130 b, 140 b may be coaxially aligned with a center axis of a side frame bar 122.

In at least one embodiment, one of the first and one of the second legs (130 a, 140 a) may be offset relative to a center axis of the first frame bar 121. In at least one embodiment, one of the first or the second legs 130 b, 140 b may be offset relative to a center axis of a second side of the frame 122. This may be done, for example, to accommodate for any clamps or other members that the scaffolding frame 300 may have on its posts 315, 335. For example, as shown at FIG. 4, the offset leg 130 b may be offset relative to the center axis of the second side frame bar 122 to circumnavigate a scaffolding clamp 340 of the scaffolding frame 300.

In at least one embodiment, at least one first leg may be aligned with one second leg of the second pair of second legs.

In at least one embodiment, at least one of the first and one of the second legs may be offset relative to a center axis of the side frame bar (121, 122).

In at least one embodiment, one first leg of the first pair of legs may be aligned with one second leg of the second pair of second legs, wherein one first leg of the first pair of legs may be offset with one second leg of the second pair of second legs.

In at least one embodiment, one side of the accessory frame 120 (side frame bar 121 or 122), can be formed from one piece of material (such as, e.g., steel, aluminium or a composite material) with one first pillar member 136 a and one second pillar member 146 a. In at least one embodiment, one side of the accessory frame 120 (side frame bar 121 or 122) can be formed from one piece of material with one first pillar member 136 b and one second pillar member 146 b. First pillar members 136 a, 136 b or second pillar members 146 a, 146 b can also be soldered to the accessory frame 120.

In at least one embodiment, an intermediate bar 170 can be releasably secured to the accessory frame 120, as shown at FIG. 4. The accessory frame 120 can have frame bores 160 formed in the frame bars (121, 122) of the accessory frame 120.

In at least one embodiment, the intermediate bar 170 may be made of a bulk slab operable to be releasably secured to the accessory frame 120.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, shown therein the intermediate bar 170, in accordance to at least one embodiment. In at least one embodiment, the intermediate bar 170 may have a top intermediate bar portion 172 and two side intermediate bar portions 174. The side intermediate bar portions 174 can be coupled to the top intermediate bar portion 172, as shown, for example, at FIG. 5A. The side intermediate bar portions 174 can have flanges 176 with intermediate bar bores 178. For example, the distance between the side intermediate bar portions 174 can be dimensioned to receive side frame bars (121, 122) of the accessory frame 120.

The intermediate bar 170 can be releasably secured to the accessory frame 120 using intermediate bar fasteners 180. The intermediate bar bores 178 and matching frame intermediate bar bores 160 can be dimensioned to receive intermediate bar fasteners 180.

When the intermediate bar 170 is mounted on and releasably secured to the accessory frame 120, the top intermediate bar portion 172 may serve for the purpose of additional protecting of the workers from falling from the scaffolding system. The intermediate bar 170 can also serve as a support for at least one scaffolding board (not shown). It should be noted that the accessory frame 120 can, independently of installation of the intermediate bar 170, serve as safety protection for workers or as support for scaffolding boards. For example, such additional scaffolding boards can provide storage space for equipment or supplies.

The scope of the claims should not be limited by specific embodiments and examples provided in the disclosure, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the disclosure as a whole. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A scaffolding accessory for a scaffolding frame with a scaffolding frame opening formed by a first and a second scaffolding rods, the second scaffolding rod being opposite to the first scaffolding rod, the scaffolding accessory comprising: an accessory frame of rectangular shape and dimensioned to be releasably secured inside the scaffolding frame opening; a first pair of first legs, connected to the accessory frame, each first leg comprising a first U-shaped member dimensioned to receive the first scaffolding rod, said first U-shaped member defining bores dimensioned to receive a leg fastener to releasably secure the accessory frame to the first scaffolding rod; and a second pair of second legs, connected to the accessory frame, each second leg comprising a second U-shaped member dimensioned to abut an inside portion of the second scaffolding rod and to releasably secure the accessory frame to the second scaffolding rod.
 2. A scaffolding accessory for a scaffolding frame with a scaffolding frame opening formed by a first and a second scaffolding rods, the second scaffolding rod being opposite to the first scaffolding rod, the scaffolding accessory comprising: an accessory frame of rectangular shape and dimensioned to be releasably secured inside the scaffolding frame opening; a first pair of legs, connected to the accessory frame, each leg comprising a first U-shaped member dimensioned to receive the first scaffolding rod, said first U-shaped member defining bores dimensioned to receive a leg fastener to releasably secure the accessory frame to the first scaffolding rod; and a second pair of legs, connected to the accessory frame, each leg comprising a second U-shaped member dimensioned to abut an inside portion of the second scaffolding rod and to releasably secure the accessory frame to the second scaffolding rod, the first U-shaped member being longer than the second U-shaped member, the second scaffolding rod being lower than the first scaffolding rod, and to releasably secure the accessory frame to the second scaffolding rod, the first U-shaped member being longer than the second U-shaped member.
 3. The scaffolding accessory of claim 2, wherein the first U-shaped member is made of a bended plate.
 4. The scaffolding accessory of claim 3, wherein the second U-shaped member is made of a bended plate.
 5. The scaffolding accessory of claim 4, wherein the first U-shaped member comprises at least two bores for receiving at least one leg fastener to secure the first U-shaped member to the first scaffolding rod.
 6. The scaffolding accessory of claim 5, wherein each of the second U-shaped members abuts the inside portion of the second scaffolding rod by a curved portion of the second U-shaped member.
 7. The scaffolding accessory of claim 6, wherein the length of side portions of at least one of the first U-shaped member is at least two times greater than diameter of the second scaffolding rod.
 8. The scaffolding accessory of claim 7, wherein the length of side portions of at least one of the first U-shaped member is at least two times greater than diameter of the first scaffolding rod.
 9. The scaffolding accessory of claim 7, wherein the length of side portions of at least one of the first U-shaped member is at least three times greater than diameter of the second scaffolding rod.
 10. The scaffolding accessory of claim 8, wherein the length of side portions of at least one of the first U-shaped member is at least three times greater than diameter of the first scaffolding rod.
 11. The scaffolding accessory of claim 2, wherein each of the pair of the second legs is secured to said second scaffolding rod by sitting on said second scaffolding rod.
 12. The scaffolding accessory of claim 11, wherein when the accessory frame is installed in the scaffolding frame opening, the curved portions of the second U-shaped members sit on the second scaffolding rod and side portions of the first U-shaped members are secured to the first scaffolding rod.
 13. The scaffolding accessory of claim 12, wherein each of the first U-shaped members is connected to the accessory frame via a first pillar member.
 14. The scaffolding accessory of claim 12, wherein each of the first legs and the second legs is connected to the accessory frame via a pillar member.
 15. The scaffolding accessory of claim 14, wherein each of the second U-shaped members is connected to the accessory frame via a pillar member.
 16. The scaffolding accessory of claim 15, wherein at least one frame bar of the accessory frame, one first pillar member and one second pillar member are formed from one piece of material.
 17. The scaffolding accessory of claim 16, wherein at least one first leg is aligned with one second leg of the second pair of second legs.
 18. The scaffolding accessory of claim 16, wherein at least one of the first and one of the second legs is offset relative to a center axis of a frame bar.
 19. The scaffolding accessory of claim 16, wherein one first leg of the first pair of legs is aligned with one second leg of the second pair of second legs and wherein one first leg of the first pair of legs is offset with one second leg of the second pair of second legs.
 20. The scaffolding accessory of claim 19, further comprising at least one intermediate bar dimensioned to be releasably secured to the accessory frame. 